Saturday, April 30, 2016

This little critter was running around in my yard earlier this week and by the time I got outside with my camera, I only managed to get two pictures before it ran into the woods. I know there are several white squirrels living in my neighborhood and it is always a treat to see them. This is NOT an albino, but a white version of the eastern gray squirrel. If it were an albino, it would have red eyes and this one does not.

Friday, April 29, 2016

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Last week I showed some closer and more detailed pictures of that fire tower here. This picture gives you a better idea of how pretty the area surrounding it is with a nice fence in the foreground and another fence way back off in the distance behind the tower.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

I was sitting next to this cute little vintage riding toy fire truck while I was eating lunch in a sandwich shop over the weekend. I'm not sure if it is a replica or the real thing, but I think it's still a treasure. If it had been for sale, I would have bought it for my youngest grandson.

Monday, April 25, 2016

The Florida Liberty Bell is located on the east side of the Capitol complex in front of the House of Representatives Office Building downtown. This is one of 55 replicas of the original Liberty Bell that were cast in Annecy-le-Vieux, France by Fonderie Paccard. The bells were ordered by the United States Department of the Treasury in 1950 as part of a savings bond drive and given to each state and territory and the District of Columbia. They were meant to be displayed and rung on patriotic occasions, but obviously this one is only being displayed.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

This railroad crossing is very close to my house, in fact those woods on the right side of the tracks are right behind my neighborhood. When my family first moved in years ago, every time a train would go by, it sounded like it was about to run right through the house. Now I'm used to it I guess, because the only time I notice it is at night when the conductor blows the horn as the train approaches this railroad crossing. I kind of like hearing that sound now and whenever my grandkids are visiting, they like to see who can be the first one to yell "train!".

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

The Florida First District Court of Appeal is housed in an impressive building located southeast of downtown. I was there on a Sunday afternoon, so I did not go inside. The state of Florida is divided into five districts. The First District includes 32 counties in the northern part of the state. To find out more about the history, jurisdiction and function of this court you can visit their website here.

Monday, April 18, 2016

This historic fire tower sits near the state headquarters of the Florida Department of Agriculture not too far from downtown. Historically, towers similar to this one were used all over the state as an early warning system for wildfires. Now with technology such as satellites, GPS devices and cell phones, as well as continuing development, the observation towers are no longer needed to spot wildfires. The state has been selling off many of the towers to private individuals, but some state, county and privately owned towers still stand.

Saturday, April 16, 2016

While waiting in a parking lot in my car the other day, I noticed these mockingbirds busy gathering nesting material from the moss growing on the trunk of this tree. I rolled down my window and was able to take all of these pictures without ever having to leave my seat. That's why I always try to carry my camera with me!

Friday, April 15, 2016

I'm back from my blog break today after a rough couple of weeks for my family. We lost two wonderful people who were dear to us, but as my post title says, life goes on and we are reminded to take nothing for granted and appreciate everyone and everything we cherish in our lives. I took a picture of this tiny dogwood tree a few weeks ago when I was out having fun with my grandkids at a local park. The tree might be small, but it was showing off some pretty blossoms on a beautiful spring day and I was able to zoom in and get a nice closeup of the flowers. Aren't they lovely?

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Since I haven't been able to get out and about with my camera for the last couple of weeks, I had to dig into my archives to find these shots of this Great Blue Heron standing on a rock in the water. What a handsome bird!

Friday, April 1, 2016

I like how this tree is providing a nice little spot for a few tiny flowers to bloom right in the middle of its trunk. The first day of the month is Theme Day in the City Daily Photo community. Be sure and visit the CDP Theme Day gallery here to view other participants' interpretations of the theme.

By the way, I'm back after a wonderful spring break with my grandkids, so I think I have recovered enough from all the fun to start posting again!